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Controlling algae in your aquarium

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 2:23 pm
by willie32
I've been checking out some YouTube vids on using electric toothbrushes to scrub algae - seems like a decent idea, but my brain's still having trouble wrapping around the whole 'putting it underwater' thing. Has anyone else given this a try? Got any tips on which ones work best?

We're in the middle of a nasty diatoms outbreak in our 300 litre tank... I know I shouldn't stress about it, but it's hard to just leave it like that for too long.

willie32

Re: Controlling algae in your aquarium

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 3:21 pm
by barnicle
For a tank that size, I think you'll need something a bit more robust, to be honest. A standard electric toothbrush might not cut it, especially when you're dealing with a diatoms phase like you are.

Re: Controlling algae in your aquarium

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 4:01 pm
by jaguar
I've had some experience using a non-electric toothbrush for those tight spots in my tank. @barnicle's right though, for a 300l you'll need something with a bit more size to it - I was only working with 5 gallons and it took ages to get everything clean with a regular toothbrush.

Re: Controlling algae in your aquarium

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 4:12 pm
by barnicle
I'm just having a bit of fun with willie32, but I'm assuming it's for spot cleaning certain areas, like getting into those tight spaces where algae likes to hide.

Re: Controlling algae in your aquarium

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 5:15 pm
by jaguar
I'm assuming @willie32 just wants it for spot cleaning certain areas, not the whole 300 litres, that'd be a mission.